Adverse health consequences of Isolation and Loneliness

<p>Isolation is the “silent killer” affecting an estimated 8 million elders in the U.S., but it is an epidemic that often goes unnoticed and untreated.</p> <p>On average, 40% of seniors are impacted by the isolation that comes with living alone and the resulting feelings of loneliness, increasing their risk for depression, dementia, and premature death.</p> <p><b>What is isolation?</b></p> <p>Isolation is the experience of being separated or cut off from other people. It is usually felt when an indi­vidual has minimal human contact, but it can also occur within an emotionally unsatisfying personal relationship. A few people may choose to be isolated and enjoy their solitude, but the situation is often regarded as unwelcome.</p> <p>Nearly everyone experi­ences feelings of isolation at some time in their lives, if only for a short while. For example, when start­ing a new job or beginning at college, loneliness is common until new networks and friendships are made. Like the elderly and young moth­ers with pre-school children, some people may be at risk of prolonged spells of isola­tion in their own homes.</p> <p>Isolation is often accom­panied by loneliness. People need relationships with family and friends to maintain a sense of self-esteem. </p> <p>Such networks provide warmth and support and provide shared interests and concerns. Without these relationships, loneliness may follow, with a result­ing loss of self-confidence and perhaps even the onset of depression.</p> <p><b>Are loneliness and social isolation linked?</b></p> <p>Loneliness and social isolation are different but related concepts. While loneliness can be closely <i>related</i> to social isolation in many people’s minds, social isolation can lead to loneliness, and loneliness can lead to social isolation. Both may also occur at the same time.</p> <p>People can experience different levels of social isolation and loneliness over their lifetime, moving in and out of these states as their circumstances change.</p> <p>Loneliness and social i